Australia pledges $100 million in annual aid to Afghanistan

According to a statement released by presidential palace media office, Australian defense minister on Monday pledged $100 million in annual aid to Afghanistan beyond 2014.

The source further added the fresh aid by Australia was announced during defense minister Stephen Smith’s meeting with the Afghan president Hamid Karzai on Monday.

Australian defense minister Stephen Smith said the aid will be spent to train Afgan security forces.

The new aid package is in addition to Australia’s financial commitment of $300 million over three years to support the war ravaged nation after transition.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard signed a new strategic partnership agreement with Afghan president Hamid Karzai at a high-level summit on Afghanistan’s future got underway in Chicago earlier last year.

Under the partnership Australia will continue to work with Afghan forces to combat threats such as terrorism, drugs and people smuggling, and support Afghan security, trade and development after the majority of Australian troops pull out in 2014.